Between about 28 and 35 I was lean and ripped. I had six-pack abdominals without even flexing. People would come up to me and ask if I could train them, even before I got into personal training, because I was in such good shape.

At the time I was hyper-focused on my body and my physical appearance. I was going through a lot of emotional stuff in relation to self-esteem. How good my body looked, and how attractive I was to other men, was part of my self-image.

From about 42 onwards (I’m 51 now) I’ve noticed a lot of changes with my body. I’ve had a couple health issues that were unsettling. I’ve noticed I’m bloated more often. I can flex down hard and see a four-pack, but no longer a six-pack. I’ve got a little bit of flab around my lower belly, but in the grand scheme of things I’m healthy. I’ve got a great body for my age and I’m a great shape. I’m at peace with what was, and the body I “used to have.”

What I value has changed over time.

Would I love to get back to that kind of a body? Yes of course! Am I willing to commit to the amount of time and effort required to get ripped? Not so much.

The lessons learned from my own experience informs how I work with my clients. I help people understand why health and fitness is necessary and how to focus on values to improve their wellbeing. We choose habits they will practice to improve their health. We also determine how much time and effort they need to commit to improve.

I recorded this video with my shirt oft to expose a little bit of myself, and to show that I’m comfortable with my body. I’m not trying to be some 19 year old Instagram celebrity with a perfect physique. People get seduced by that kind of imagery and the excitement of, “Oh, I could do this.” But is this realistic when your 40, 50, or 60?

When you’re 18 or 20 you have a very different set of priorities than when you’re older. After 40 I developed different values about family, long-term health, financial security, and so on. I know I want to be cognizant, happy, and move well into my 80s and 90s! The main concerns of people my age generation and older are having the financial resources to live a comfortable life and a good quality of health. We are less concerned about having six-pack abs. That’s not what’s important anymore. Being able to live well, and enjoy life without pain or discomfort is of primary importance.

What does great health FEEL like?

What’s realistic? What can you do to make continual, measurable, and qualitative improvement to your health?

More importantly, how do you want to feel? What can you commit to doing to keep your health at a level that’s acceptable? When you look in the mirror, do you think to yourself, “I’m happy and I’m content with my body!”

If you feel anything less than content let’s have a conversation about how I can help. I’m available to help you 1-to-1 or in a 90-day small group coaching program that starts this July 17, 2017.